Regardless, he has now committed himself to playing the flute full-time and launched an entirely flute-focused album titled New Blue Sun last year.
André faced significant backlash when he departed from the rap genre and his iconic group OutKast, a decision he claims took him by surprise.
“It’s quite amusing,” he shared with the Chicago Tribune. “The criticism isn’t really coming from the rap scene or even the jazz and spiritual jazz circles. Surprisingly, I’ve received more backing from both communities … I believe it’s mainly [OutKast] enthusiasts, which I can relate to. I always consider their perspective. If my favorite artist announced, ‘I’m stepping away from rap’ [I would feel disappointed] … Many perceive it as some sort of heresy or similar.”
“The scorn that I receive is something I did not anticipate,” André elaborated. “If I’m a supporter of anyone, I’m certainly not going to wait 17 years for a groundbreaking rap album to be released. I’d be thinking, ‘That opportunity has passed.'”